Basketball winds down while baseball heats up. St. Patrick’s Day brings out the Irish in all of us. The Easter season approaches as Lent winds down.

And, of course, spring means we made it through the winter. And for students and families across the country, that means it’s time for Spring Break.

Thanks to a family-friendly atmosphere, a plethora of entertainment options, and plenty of fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood, Alabama’s Gulf Coast has seen a surge in Spring Break vacationers. And considering that coastal realtors have enjoyed record-setting business in recent years, expectations for 2018 are just as promising.

If you’re headed down to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Mobile, Fairhope, or any of Alabama’s other vacation spots, it’s essential that you order up a plate or two of fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood from any of our fine restaurants or wholesalers.

The Gulf is one of the newer dining destinations on the Gulf Coast, and it’s safe to say there’s not another place like it. Opened in Orange Beach in November 2012, The Gulf serves fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood in a unique outdoor setting centered around a cluster of shipping containers. With open-air dining right on the beach, it’s the perfect combination of fresh seafood and a beautiful view.

If you prefer to enjoy your fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood with a gorgeous sunset backdrop, look no further than Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina. Opened just last year, this new venture from Mobile legend Panini Pete pairs fresh Gulf seafood with signature cocktails and craft brews on tap. If you’re headed to or through Fairhope, you’d better pull over.

If you’re looking for some entertainment with your meal, look no further than The Wharf at Orange Beach. You’ll find plenty of fresh Gulf Seafood on the menu at restaurants like Villaggio Grille, Driftwood Bar and Grille, and Ronin Sushi and Steak, then stay awhile for some shopping, a ride on the Ferris Wheel, a charter boat excursion at The Wharf Marina, or even a concert at The Wharf Amphitheater.

For three decades now, The Original Oyster House has been a favorite spot of Gulf Coast residents and seasonal tourists alike. Boasting the friendliest staff in the world, you’ll get plenty of Southern hospitality to go along with fresh, tasty seafood—like their fire-grilled oysters—and a beautiful view of Mobile Bay. Located in both Mobile and Gulf Shores.

A tale of two restaurants, Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina offers a genuine upscale dining experience upstairs and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere for dockside dining. And Southern Living is a big fan—of both of ’em. Whichever option you choose, you know you’ll be getting an inventive spin on fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood.

If you’ve still got a craving for seafood once your vacation time is over—and you’ve still got room in your cooler—make the short detour over to Bon Secour and visit Billy’s Seafood. Their seafood is unloaded fresh daily from their trawlers, and with everything from Gulf fish and shrimp to alligator and frog legs, you’ll be sure to find the freshest catches here.

You’ve probably heard of the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge, but what you might not realize about this state-line institution is that they have a phenomenal restaurant just across the street. The Flora-Bama Yacht Club serves all kinds of fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood, from Greek Shrimp Nachos to Lionfish (when available), and you won’t find an atmosphere quite like it in either state.

Deep in the heart of Seafood Country you’ll find the Tin Top Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Bon Secour, AL. With a Cajun flare to the menu and plenty of close neighbors that process Alabama Gulf Seafood, it’s no wonder that Tin Top has become a local favorite since opening in 2004. (And you want to eat where the locals do, don’t you?)

Perhaps you’ve heard of their annual music festival, but The Hangout in Gulf Shores serves up good times and great food all year long. Bring your whole family by for a full menu of fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood and a plethora of activities that will keep your kids entertained for hours. Stop by during the evening to catch a concert on the outdoor stage!

Don’t let the name fool you—Delish’s is more than just a cure for your sweet tooth. After serving cakes and baked goods for years, the shop expanded to include light lunches in 1996, and they’ve been doing right by Mobile locals and grateful visitors ever since. Stop by for daily lunch specials that include soups, sandwiches, pastas and much more.

If you’d rather try your hand at cookin’ your own Gulf seafood feast, the folks at Blalock Seafood and Specialty Market have got you covered. Stop by their Orange Beach or Gulf Shores locations and take your pick of fresh Alabama Gulf Seafood, or pay ’em a visit on your way home and bring a few delicious souvenirs back with you.

Our friends at Rouses Supermarkets are another great option for cooking Alabama Gulf Seafood at your condo or beach house. When you’re doing your grocery shopping for the trip, stop by one of their five locations in South Alabama and see what Alabama Gulf Seafood specials they’re running that week.

For more recommendations on restaurants and wholesalers that carry Alabama Gulf Seafood, visit our directory.